Sea cadets "delighted" by dinghy donation

5:20am Monday 18th August 2008

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A group of Sea Cadets based at the West Hendon Welsh Harp reservoir are awash with gratitude after receiving three Laser Pico dinghies from Barnet Council.

The dinghies were “bought” from the council last Friday for the sum of £1 following a deal struck between the council and the cadets for the boats, which have remained unused since the closure of the Welsh Harp Youth Sailing Base in 2004.

The handover will enable dozens of youngsters aged between ten and 18 to learn the basics of sailing and enjoy the open water of the Welsh Harp.

John Porter, warden of the Sea Cadet Boat Station, said he was “delighted” to receive the dinghies.

“It is quite an asset for the cadets to receive these from Barnet, as now we can release funding for other things,” he said.

“This takes our fleet up to 11, so we can start teaching more advanced skills like racing. It gives us much more scope.”

The Mayor of Barnet, Councillor John Marshall, visited the sea cadets base on Friday to meet some of the youngsters who will be benefiting from the donation, and to officially launch the dinghies into the reservoir.

He said: "It gives me great pleasure to hand over these dinghies to the Sea Cadets. The council has set a corporate priority of providing a bright future for children and young people, and this donation will enable a host of youngsters to discover a new sport.

"It is important for children to spend time playing sport and being in the open air, and I would encourage any young people in the borough interested in sailing to get in touch with their local sea cadets."